Department of Psychiatry

Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington is located in the heart of the beautiful Bluegrass region of Kentucky. A sound, growing economy and a broad range of social and cultural amenities are available to residents. Excellent schools, numerous parks, recreational facilities, and warm friendly people characterize the community. The University of Kentucky affords many educational and cultural opportunities and enthusiastic support of world-class basketball, football and other sports. The natural beauty of Central Kentucky with its horse farms and scenic rivers makes this area of Kentucky a popular tourist stop.

With a population of about 250,000 in Fayette County, Lexington offers the convenience of a small town with the sophistication of a larger city. Once known as the “Athens of the West,” Lexington is the cultural, educational and recreational center for Eastern and Central regions of the commonwealth. Major employers include the University of Kentucky, Lexmark, Toyota and the equine industry. Most of the country’s bourbon is produced in Kentucky, much of it in the rolling hills of Central Kentucky, and there is never a Kentucky Derby without a Kentucky-bred horse.

Kentucky is rich with natural beauty and resources. Within an hour’s drive of Lexington, you can be on the water, in the mountains or in nearby larger cities. An extensive system of state parks makes the outdoors accessible to all. In addition, Lexington is the home of the Kentucky Horse Park, a 1,000-acre park dedicated to everything related to horses. At nearby Harrodsburg is “Pleasant Hill” a restored Shaker Village, and within a short drive is Bardstown, home of Stephen Foster’s Old Kentucky Home. The Red River Gorge, located about one hour from Lexington, is one of the finest hiking areas in the country.

The birthplace of Mary Todd Lincoln, Lexington also has a rich historical heritage. Ashland, the estate of Henry Clay, includes a restored 19th century home in the middle of the city. Stately homes line the entrance to town from the east, and Rupp Arena is the venue for great basketball and concerts downtown.

So just what does that term “bluegrass” mean? The name comes from the poa pratensis grass, which is native to this area. It is not really blue although it may appear to have a blue cast, especially in the morning when the dew is on the ground. This plant, which thrives on the limestone in Kentucky’s soil, has played a key role in the development of the horse industry in this area, but “bluegrass” is more than just the biological term. It symbolizes the best of Kentucky – the beautiful rolling hills with farms where dreams of glory are begun, the rich cultural and historical heritage of a region not quite Midwest but not quite Southern – and it houses a diverse population of people from Kentucky and a myriad of other places, who find its amenities make it not only a great place to raise horse, but also a great place for single people or families.

For more information about Kentucky go to www.lexchamber.com or www.visitlex.com.